Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 56

"Perhaps you can sit by me when the service starts today," Mark said to Emily, taking a seat beside her. She shifted uncomfortably, making him glance at her.

"It's okay if you don't want to," he said in a gentle  tone. "You're very shy."

"No, it's fine," she murmured.

He studied her for a moment, then smiled. "You're so beautiful. Has anyone ever told you that?"

Emily's face flushed. She nodded softly.

"Really?" He sat up, suddenly interested. "Who was it? Is he here in this church?"

She nodded again.

Mark's expression grew serious. Who could it possibly be? Another man?

"Who is he? What's his name?"

Emily slowly lifted her hand and pointed—at him.

"Huh?" His brows rose in surprise.

"You," she admitted, playing with her fingers, her cheeks burning. "You've told me every time since we met."

Mark relaxed, a chuckle escaping him. "You got me there for a sec," he said, shaking his head. "I thought I had a rival here in church."

Emily tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her fingers toying with the ends.

"What if... Never mind," she said, quickly looking away.

"Oh, come on, tell me. What if what?"

"Forget it, don't worry about it," she mumbled, stealing a quick glance at him before averting her gaze again.

He leaned in slightly. "You know, if we're getting married, we'll need to be open with each other, right?"

Silence settled between them as Emily hesitated, debating whether to speak.

Finally, she whispered, "What if you had a rival?" Then, as if regretting it, she turned away.

Mark's hand found her shoulder, warm and steady.

"If I had a rival..." He paused, his voice low, thoughtful. "Let me see... What would I do?"

Mark's fingers gently traced slow circles on her shoulder as he thought for a moment. Then, he smirked.

"If I had a rival... well, I'd fight for you," he said, his voice both playful and firm.

Emily's eyes widened slightly, her fingers still nervously twisting together in her lap. "Fight?" she echoed.

"Of course," he said, leaning in just a little closer. "I'm not the kind of man who gives up on something—someone—he wants."

Her breath hitched, and she swallowed. "But... what if he's better than you?" she asked hesitantly.

Mark chuckled, shaking his head. "Impossible."

A small, nervous laugh escaped her, but she still looked uncertain. "But what if I—"

"I won't let that happen," he interrupted, his voice low but certain. "Emily, if there was another man after you, I'd make sure you never even thought about him. I'd remind you, every day, how much I love you. How much I need you. And I'd make sure he knows you belong with me."

"You'd really do all that?" she asked softly.

Mark smiled, reaching up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I'd do more," he murmured. "But lucky for me, I don't have a rival... right?"